Could someone confirm whether or not Global Plus Pass first class allows making reservations free of charge for Prémium class on Renfe AVE trains in Spain? As this is the real first class that would be the whole point in buying the Plus Pass. Otherwise getting just the seat without the first class experience makes no sense to me.
Answer
Plus pass. Spain 1st class
Best answer by Eurail Community Moderator
Hi
I think it should be made clear what exactly is included, e.g. in the “List of included countries and railway carriers” on the page about the Global Plus Pass.
Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
I think it should be made clear what exactly is included, e.g. in the “List of included countries and railway carriers” on the page about the Global Plus Pass.
The carrier is included, it doesn't mean class Prémium will be included. They might as well include only the bigger seat without the full first class. And that would mean you still have to pay the reservation fee if you want to use the first class Premium. That's the only reason I'm asking this question.
The carrier is included, it doesn't mean class Prémium will be included. They might as well include only the bigger seat without the full first class. And that would mean you still have to pay the reservation fee if you want to use the first class Premium. That's the only reason I'm asking this question.
IMO that list should also mention any limitations, such as which reservations you can and can't make.
Please ask questions in the community and not via a private message. That's the quickest way to get a response. I don't work for Eurail/Interrail.
+7- Community Moderator
- Answer
Hi
Please note that we can't reply to private messages at the moment. Thanks for your understanding. Do feel free to tag us with any questions or updates!
Hi
Hi, has anything become clearer yet?
+7- Community Moderator
Dear
Thank you for your patience. I received some internal clarification: Premium class on AVE trains isn’t included in the Plus benefit due to the onboard meal service. Travellers can still book Premium by paying extra, or use their pass credits to reserve 1st or 2nd class instead.
If you have further questions, please let us know.
Camilo
But I Eurostar is included even though meal service is offered on board in the price of first class. Why couldn't you just include the Spanish train company as well which would justify the difference in price.
+8Having done a bit of testing, it looks indeed like you can book first or second class for no cost, or use a credit for Premium.
This does seem like a steep cost, given that I think Premium normally costs only €10 on top of First, but then there will always be areas of great and poor value.
Therefore, it’s still cheaper to buy a regular Global Pass at a discounted price and pay separately for the reservations, rather than purchasing the Global Plus Pass, and have only three reservations included in the rail companies where the reservations are the most expensive in 1st class which happens to be Spain.
Many reservations don't cost a credit at all (so you can book many of them), but still €196 is a lot of money.
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